Graphical planner

ABSTRACT

A graphical planner allows a user to create or select, and then display, images that represent tasks and events to be completed by the user, as well as corresponding images that represent tasks and events that the user has already completed. The graphical planner allows a user to plan and schedule events and tasks by indicating an event or task in a non-textual (i.e., graphic or symbolic) manner. Completion of the events and tasks by the user can also be signaled or otherwise indicated in a non-textual (e.g., visual, audible) manner.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/355,987, filed Mar. 18, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/700,265, filed Sep. 11, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,261,656, issued Apr. 16, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/262,862, filed Apr. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,760,245, issued Sep. 12, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/791,617, filed Jun. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,713,459, issued Apr. 29, 2014, which claims priority to and anybenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/182,129, filed May 29,2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The general inventive concepts relate to data management and, moreparticularly, to systems, methods and apparatuses for creating,displaying, and managing images that represent tasks and events to becompleted by a user and corresponding images that represent tasks andevents that the user has completed.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices such as “smart” phones (e.g., Apple's iPhone®,Research in Motion's Blackberry®, Google's Droid®), personal digitalassistants (“PDAs”), and the like have become ubiquitous tools of modernlife. In addition, tablet computers (e.g., Apple's iPad®) and otherportable computing devices with a touch screen interface are becomingincreasingly available. These developments have occasioned a significantincrease in the number of applications being developed to run on suchdevices.

Applications for planning and scheduling events and tasks are known inthe prior art. Some of these applications can be used in connection withmobile computing devices such as those described above. For the mostpart, prior art planners and calendars rely on a traditional calendarformat to display events as text entries in a chronological list.Furthermore, tasks (i.e., things a person must get done, but not at aparticular time) and events (i.e., things a person wants or needs to doat a predetermined or scheduled time) are managed, maintained, anddisplayed separately. For example, Microsoft's Outlook® applicationdisplays events on a traditional calendar in a linear format. Each eventis shown in its own rectangular box positioned on relevant portions ofthe calendar. Conversely, tasks are shown in a list format that can besorted/arranged based on various criteria (e.g., task name). Thus, usingprior art planners and calendars, the user is limited to indicating anevent or task in a block or list, in a linear manner.

Further, the prior art planners and calendars rely heavily upon usingtext (i.e., alphanumeric characters) to represent an event or task to becompleted. As a result of the space constraints associated with the userinterface (e.g., a screen) of most mobile computing devices, text is animpractical and cumbersome method of conveying information. Often, theamount of text that is required to convey information about an event ortask, combined with the small space available, results in the textappearing too small to read. Thus, prior art planners fail to conveynecessary information to the user.

Often, an image or symbol can convey a message much more efficientlythan text. In addition, images have different meanings to differentpeople. Moreover, the events and tasks any particular person wishes toaccomplish are personal to that user. Thus, a need exists for a plannerthat allows each user to chose and/or create the particular images orsymbols that efficiently convey to himself or herself the information heor she needs to schedule or plan events and tasks. Prior art plannersfail to meet this need.

Moreover, the prior art planners and calendars fail to provide amechanism (e.g., a noise and/or rewarding graphic) to signal successfulcompletion of an event or task. As such, the prior art planners andcalendars fail to provide the user with a sense of accomplishment uponcompletion of an event or task and, thus, there is less incentive to usethem.

In view of the above, there is an unmet need for systems, methods andapparatuses for planning and scheduling events and tasks that allow auser to indicate an event or task in a freestyle, non-linear, and/or adhoc manner. There is also an unmet need for systems, methods andapparatuses for planning and scheduling events and tasks that allow auser to indicate an event or task in a non-textual (i.e., graphic orsymbolic) manner. There is also an unmet need for systems, methods andapparatuses for planning and scheduling events and tasks that provide auser with a non-textual (e.g., visual, audible) indication that an eventor task has been completed. There is also an unmet need for systems,methods and apparatuses for displaying and managing events and taskstogether instead of separately.

SUMMARY

The general inventive concepts contemplate systems, methods, andapparatuses for creating and displaying images that represent events andtasks to be completed by a user and corresponding images that representevents and tasks that the user has completed. By way of example toillustrate various aspects of the general inventive concepts, severalexemplary embodiments of systems, methods and/or apparatuses aredisclosed herein.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses, according to one exemplaryembodiment, allow a user to plan and schedule events and tasks byindicating an event or task in a freestyle, non-linear, and/or ad hocmanner.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses, according to one exemplaryembodiment, allow a user to plan and schedule events and tasks byindicating an event or task in a non-textual (i.e., graphic or symbolic)manner.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses, according to one exemplaryembodiment, allow a user to plan and schedule events and tasks, whereincompletion of the events and tasks are signaled by non-textual (e.g.,visual, audible) indicators.

In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus (e.g., a smart phone) forscheduling at least one of an event and a task to be completed by a useris disclosed. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a display. Inone exemplary embodiment, the display is a touch screen. The processingunit includes (e.g., as software running therein) scheduling logic. Thescheduling logic is operable to display a screen on the display, thescreen including an add event button or the like; detect selection ofthe add event button by the user and display a plurality of graphicicons on the display in response thereto; detect selection of a specificgraphic icon by the user for representing the event or task and displaythe specific graphic icon on the screen in response thereto; and allowthe user to associate the specific graphic icon with at least one of atime and a date.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to allowthe user to move the specific graphic icon from a first region of thescreen to another region of the screen.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable toassociate the screen with at least a portion of a day (e.g., twelvehours).

In one exemplary embodiment, the screen includes a date region fordisplaying the current date.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to displaya calendar screen that functions as a user interface to allow the userto navigate to a particular day, month, and year.

In one exemplary embodiment, each day is associated with a first mainscreen and a second main screen, wherein the first main screencorresponds to the twelve hours in a day immediately before andincluding noon, wherein the second main screen corresponds to the twelvehours in a day immediately before and including midnight, and whereinthe scheduling logic only displays one of the first main screen and thesecond main screen at a time.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to providean audible indication if the user associates the specific graphic iconwith at least one of a time and a date.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to displaya details screen, window, or the like that functions as a user interfacefor allowing the user to input alphanumeric data, wherein the schedulinglogic is operable to associate the alphanumeric data with the specificgraphic icon. In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic isoperable to display at least a portion of the alphanumeric data withinthe specific graphic icon.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to displaya clock shape including a plurality of symbols representing a pluralityof hours in a day on the main screen. In one exemplary embodiment, theclock shape approximates a substantially circular analog clock face.

In one exemplary embodiment, the symbols are numerals. In one exemplaryembodiment, the clock shape includes an hour hand and a minute handextending from a center of the clock shape, a position of the hour handand the minute hand corresponding to the current time. In one exemplaryembodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to display a lineconnecting the specific graphic icon to an area of the clock shapedisposed between or adjacent to a first numeral representing a starttime of the event or task and a second numeral representing an end timeof the event or task.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to allowthe user to indicate that the event or task has been completed. In oneexemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to ceasedisplaying the specific graphic icon once it is determined that the taskhas been completed. In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic isoperable to replace the specific graphic icon with a different graphicicon once it is determined that the task has been completed. In oneexemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to provide anaudible indication once it is determined that the task has beencompleted.

In one exemplary embodiment, a method of scheduling at least one of anevent and a task to be completed by a user is disclosed. The methodincludes displaying a screen on a display, the screen including an addevent button or other means for initiating creation of a new event ortask; detecting selection of the add event button by the user anddisplaying a plurality of graphic icons on the display in responsethereto; detecting selection of a specific graphic icon by the user forrepresenting the event or task and displaying the specific graphic iconon the screen in response thereto; and allowing the user to associatethe specific graphic icon with at least one of a time and a date.

Numerous aspects of the general inventive concepts will become morereadily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The general inventive concepts as well as embodiments and advantagesthereof are described below in greater detail, by way of example, withreference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an image of an a.m. main screen with no events or taskscompleted, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an image of a p.m. main screen with no events or taskscompleted, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an image of the p.m. main screen of FIG. 2A with one eventcompleted.

FIG. 3 is an image of a graphic icon library, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an image of a details screen, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an image of a calendar screen, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is an image of a screen having a quick view window, according toone exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an image of a p.m. main screen including one virtual event andtwo events scheduled to overlap in time, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

DESCRIPTION

While the general inventive concepts are susceptible of embodiment inmany different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will bedescribed herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the general inventive concepts.Accordingly, the general inventive concepts are not intended to belimited to the specific embodiments illustrated and/or described herein.

The following are definitions of exemplary terms used throughout thedisclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall within eachmeaning:

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each toperform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desiredapplication or needs, logic may include a software controlledmicroprocessor, discreet logic such as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. In someinstances, logic could also be fully embodied as software. “Software” or“computer program” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, oneor more computer readable and/or executable instructions that cause acomputer or other electronic device to perform functions, actions,and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied invarious forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programsincluding separate applications or code from dynamically linkedlibraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms such as astand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, instructionsstored in a memory, part of an operating system or other type ofexecutable instructions. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skillin the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example,requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on,and/or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like.

“Computer” or “processing unit” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, any programmed or programmable electronic device that canstore, retrieve, and process data.

“Graphical planner” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, anysystem, method, or apparatus for scheduling, managing, maintaining, anddisplaying events, tasks, and/or related data in a substantiallygraphical manner.

A graphical planner, according to one exemplary embodiment, isimplemented as an apparatus including logic and/or software in a mobilecomputing device having a processing unit. In an exemplary embodiment,the graphical planner includes two main screens, an a.m. main screen100, as shown in FIG. 1, and a p.m. main screen 200, as shown in FIGS.2A and 2B. Each of the main screens displays a twelve hour period. Inone exemplary embodiment, the a.m. main screen 100 includes a colorscheme that differs from a color scheme of the p.m. main screen 200. Inone exemplary embodiment, the a.m. main screen 100 is clearly labeled“AM” and the p.m. main screen 200 is clearly labeled “PM” to allow theuser to readily determine which twelve hour period is currently beingdisplayed.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user may navigate between consecutiveperiods of time, such as consecutive twelve hours periods, byinteracting with the user interface. For example, in one embodiment, theuser interface is a touch screen, and the user may slide his or herfinger to the right or left on the touch screen to navigate betweenscreens displaying consecutive twelve hour periods. Thus, for example,if the user is on the a.m. main screen 100, the user may slide his orher finger from right to left on the touch screen to navigate to thep.m. main screen 200. Sliding his or her finger on the p.m. main screen200 will then bring the user to the a.m. main screen of the next day.Conversely, sliding his or her finger from left to right on the touchscreen will allow the user to navigate to main screens corresponding topreceding time periods.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number ofhours could be displayed on the main screen. For example, the mainscreen could display a 24 hour period, a six hour period or a period ofhours defined by the user.

With reference to FIG. 1, the a.m. main screen 100 of the graphicalplanner is shown. One feature of the a.m. main screen 100 is a mainanalog clock 113. The main analog clock 113 includes the numerals (e.g.,Arabic or Roman) 1 through 12, which are placed on the main analog clock113 so as to correspond to each of the twelve a.m. hours. The mainanalog clock 113 can additionally include means for displaying thecurrent time. In one exemplary embodiment, the means for displaying thecurrent time are clock hands 109. A person of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the scheduling logic may communicate with othersoftware to detect the current time zone settings.

In one exemplary embodiment, the main analog clock 113 is displayed inthe center of the main screen. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the main analog clock 113 could be displayed anywhere onthe screen and could be re-positioned or re-sized in response to userinput. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mainanalog clock 113 can be represented in different shapes and forms.

Pictured in association with the main analog clock 113 are one or moregraphic icons 202. The graphic icons 202 correspond to events or taskswhich the user wishes to complete. In one exemplary embodiment, thegraphic icons 202 are displayed so as to be associated with the time ofday on which the event or task is to occur. In one exemplary embodiment,tick marks 101 define spaces 112 around a periphery of the main analogclock 113. The spaces 112 are highlighted or otherwise changed in colorto show the time and duration of a scheduled event. In one exemplaryembodiment, a duration bar 110 is displayed to show the time andduration of a scheduled event or task. In one exemplary embodiment, aconnecting line 111 is used to connect each graphic icon 202 to arelevant duration bar 110 and/or one or more relevant spaces 112 of themain analog clock 113. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the userhas scheduled golf from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., and has scheduledcoffee from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Duration bars 110, tick marks101, spaces 112, and/or connecting lines 111 cooperate to display thetime and the duration for these scheduled events.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical planner displays an a.m. mainscreen 100 and a p.m. main screen 200 for each day. A date and day ofthe week corresponding to each screen is also displayed to the user. Forexample, the date and day of the week may be displayed on a banner 108on the main screens 100 and 200. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the day can be displayed nearly anywhere on the mainscreens 100 and 200, and need not necessarily be shown in the banner108.

With further reference to FIG. 1, navigation within softwareimplementing the graphical planner, according to one exemplaryembodiment, will now be explained. The a.m. main screen 100 and the p.m.main screen 200 contain buttons. The buttons are defined regions,locations, or the like displayed on a screen to form a user interface,which allows for interaction between the user and the graphical planner.One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user mayinteract with the buttons any of numerous ways, such as by tapping onthem with a finger, holding his or her finger on the button, or doubletapping on the button in the case of a touch screen display; or, if amouse is used, single or double clicking on the buttons. In addition to,or in lieu of, buttons, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the user may interact with the software through voice commands. Inaddition to, or in lieu of, buttons, one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the user may interact with the software throughmenus, such as pull-down menus or pop-up menus. In addition, the userinterface may include user input mechanisms provided by the operatingsystem of the computing device or other external software. Hereafter,“tapping” will be used to collectively refer to any method ofinteracting with the user interface.

In one exemplary embodiment, the main screens 100 and 200 each containan add event button 103, a traditional calendar button 104, and acomplete button 106. In one exemplary embodiment, if the imagesdisplayed on the main screens 100 and 200 do not correspond to thecurrent day, the screens include an additional button, a home button107, which returns the user to the current twelve hour period of thecurrent day when tapped.

By tapping on the add event button 103, the user can navigate to agraphic icon library 300. A graphic icon library, according to oneexemplary embodiment, is shown in FIG. 3. As further discussed below,the user may also navigate to the graphic icon library 300 from adetails screen 400 (see FIG. 4).

The graphic icon library 300 includes one or more graphic icons, such asgraphic icons 302 a-302 k. Any number of graphic icons can be includedin the graphic icon library 300. The graphic icons 302 a-302 k depictimages, symbols, or other graphical representations that illustrate orconjure corresponding user events or tasks that the user may wish tocomplete. For example, a bicycle graphic icon 302 f may be used torepresent a trip the user plans to take. In one exemplary embodiment, atleast some of the graphic icons can be more abstract such as, forexample, an exclamation point graphic icon 302 a for representingsomething important that the user must do. In another exemplaryembodiment, a generic bubble icon 301 is provided as one choice amongthe graphic icons. The generic bubble icon can take any form and maydiffer from the other graphic icons in that it may contain no image orsymbol. For example, the generic bubble icon may appear as an emptyballoon or a circle. In one embodiment, the user can select from amongseveral different generic bubble icons. In one exemplary embodiment, theuser can define a size and/or shape of the generic bubble icon.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphic icon library 300 includes acancel button 303. Tapping on the cancel button allows the user tonavigate back to the previously displayed screen from which the usernavigated.

In one exemplary embodiment, at least some of the graphic icons can bemore specific to or otherwise customized by the user. For example, inone exemplary embodiment, the software may communicate or otherwiseinterface with a camera within the user's mobile computing device orwith another computer. Using methods which are well known in the art,the software may allow a user to import a photograph from the camera,another computer, or a digital storage device, and then convert thephotograph to a graphic icon. For example, the user could import aphotograph of a beach (taken by the user or by someone else) and use thebeach photograph as a graphic icon to show that he or she will be onvacation on a certain day or days. As another example, the user may wishto use the beach photograph icon simply as a reminder to go to the gym.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical planner provides customizablegraphic icons and/or customizable sets of graphic icons. For example, auser population or group comprising medical students may desire a set oficons that corresponds to events and tasks that are common to the lifeof a medical student. On the other hand, a stay-at-home parent maydesire a set of icons that corresponds to events and tasks that arecommon to the life of a stay-at-home parent. Using methods that are wellknown to those skilled in the art, the software may allow a user toimport a customized set of graphic icons. In one exemplary embodiment,the software allows a user to import one or more specific icons, a lacarte, from a menu of available icons. In one exemplary embodiment,graphic icons may be downloaded or imported in exchange for a fee thatis separate from a fee for the graphical planner.

Once the user has navigated to the graphic icon library 300, the usermay then select a desired graphic icon or choose the generic bubbleicon. If the user navigated to the graphic icon library 300 from thea.m. main screen 100 or the p.m. main screen 200 then, once the userchooses the desired graphic icon (or chooses the generic bubble icon),the user is returned to the originating main screen. In one exemplaryembodiment, the chosen graphic icon (or generic bubble icon) is thenshown on the main screen. In one exemplary embodiment, the chosengraphic icon is placed in a predetermined area on the main screen. Inone exemplary embodiment, the chosen graphic icon is placed at a randomlocation on the main screen.

The user may then move the graphic icon (for example, by holding anddragging the icon with his or her finger on a touch screen, or byclicking on and dragging the icon using a mouse or similar input device)to another location on the main screen, such as a desired position onthe main analog clock 113. If the graphic icon is moved to a position onthe main analog clock 113, the graphic icon is then displayed so as tobe associated with the time of day on which the event or task is tooccur, as described above. In one exemplary embodiment, the softwaresets a default duration, such as one hour, when the user moves a graphicicon to a position on the main analog clock 113. Thus, a user mayschedule an event or task in a simple three-step process by tapping onthe add event button 103 of the a.m. main screen 100 or the p.m. mainscreen 200, selecting a graphic icon 302 or the generic bubble icon 301,and moving the graphic icon 302 or the generic bubble icon 301 to adesired location on the main analog clock 113. If the event or task getsrescheduled or postponed, the user may re-associate the graphic icon orgeneric bubble to a new time or date, and/or adjust its duration. In oneexemplary embodiment, the user may reschedule events or tasks by tappingon, then dragging, the graphic icon or generic bubble to the new time.Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 4, the user may reschedule anevent or task by changing the beginning time or end time using the datainput fields 404 and 405 on the details screen 400, as further describedbelow. In addition, the user may adjust the duration of an event or taskby touching with two fingers the opposite edges of the associatedduration bar 110 on the main screen 100 or 200 and moving his or herfingers closer or farther apart.

In one exemplary embodiment, when a user schedules an event having aduration that exceeds the duration of time that is displayed on the mainscreen 100 or 200, then the duration bar 110 extends to and is shown onthe main screen corresponding to the next consecutive time period. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 1, if the user schedules an eventbeginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 2:00 pm on May 20, 2010, then aduration bar 110 is displayed from 11:00 to 12:00 on the a.m. mainscreen 100 and from 12:00 to 2:00 on the p.m. main screen 200. For anevent having a duration that exceeds one full day, then the duration bar110 may continue to be shown in association with the main analog clock113 for each intervening period.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic allows the user toadjust the size of the graphic icon or generic bubble. For example, auser may wish to make the graphic icon associated with a particularlyimportant event appear larger than other graphic icons on the mainscreen 100 or 200. Alternatively, the user may wish to change the colorof the graphic icon to indicate the level of its importance or otherpertinent information. In addition, the user may choose to associate asound file with a particular graphic icon, such an inspirational orencouraging audible message. Such functionalities provide the user amore accurate “picture” of what is to be accomplished in a given timeperiod and provide the user a new way of prioritizing events and tasksand/or getting motivated to complete events or tasks. Suchfunctionalities are not provided by prior art planners. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic sizes or re-sizes the graphicicons and generic bubble icons to approximate an optimum size dependingon the number of events or tasks scheduled in the time period displayedon the main screen. A display size and resolution of the user'scomputing device can also be taken into consideration when approximatingthe optimum size. For example, if the user has scheduled four events ortasks in a single twelve hour period, the graphic icons may appear in afirst size, and if the user has scheduled eight events or tasks in asingle twelve hour period, the graphic icons may appear in a second,smaller, size.

In another exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic approximates theoptimal placement of the graphic icons in relation to the main analogclock 113, so that each graphic icons is correctly associated with thetime and duration chosen by the user in relation to the main analogclock 113. By optimally sizing the graphic icons and/or optimallyplacing the graphic icons on the screen, the graphical planner conveysinformation more efficiently and more simply than other prior artplanners. Using graphic icons transcends language barriers, removes thelimitations imposed by space consuming text, and requires less usereffort. Such functionalities are particularly advantageous in view ofthe space constraints associated with many mobile computing devices.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the user can choose not to associate aselected graphic icon with a particular time. Such may be the case, forexample, if the user chose a birthday cake icon and wants to remember towish his or her friend a happy birthday at some point before the end ofthe 12 hour period. Herein, events that are unassociated with aparticular time will be referred to as “virtual events” and aresynonymous with tasks. For virtual events, the graphic icon is displayedwithout a connecting line 111 or duration bar 110. In one exemplaryembodiment, one or more zones, locations, or the like are defined on themain screens 100 and 200 of the graphical planner, with the zonesreserved for displaying virtual events. With reference to FIG. 7, avirtual event is represented by a grocery cart icon 704. By displayingboth virtual events and scheduled events on the same screen, theapparatus of the invention overcomes the common problem of prior artplanners, which manage, maintain and display events and tasks separatelyin a linear format.

In another exemplary embodiment, graphic icons corresponding to virtualevents may instead move or appear to bounce or float in a predetermined,random or user driven pattern around the screen. Once the actual taskcorresponding to the virtual event is completed by the user, the usermay “capture” the moving graphic icon and indicate its completion, asfurther described herein. In this manner, the apparatus of the inventionprovides an enjoyable user experience associated with completion of atask.

In one exemplary embodiment, graphic icons corresponding to recurringvirtual events may continue to appear on screens corresponding to futuredates until the user deletes them. Thus, a user may create a reminderfor a virtual event in a simple two-step process by tapping on the addevent button 103 of the a.m. main screen 100 or the p.m. main screen200, and selecting a desired graphic icon 302 or the generic bubble icon301.

Once a desired graphic icon has been chosen by the user and placed bythe software on the screen, the user may then enter additional detailsregarding the event or task. In one exemplary embodiment, the user tapson the graphic icon to navigate to a details screen 400, as shown inFIG. 4. In one exemplary embodiment, data input fields 402, 403, 404,405, and 406 are provided on the details screen 400 to allow the user toinput information associated with the event or task. For example, theuser may enter the name of the event via data input field 402, thelocation of the event via data input field 403, the start time of theevent via data input field 404, the end time of the event via data inputfield 405, and/or other details for the event via data input field 406.For example, if the user plans on going to the grocery store from 5:00to 6:00 on a given day, the user may input the name of the store in datainput field 402, the location of the store in data input field 403, thestart time of the planned shopping trip in data input field 404, the endtime of the planned shopping trip in data input field 405, and the itemsneeded at the store (e.g., milk, eggs, butter, cheese, yogurt anddiapers) in the data input field 406. Thus, using the graphical planner,the user can easily create a reminder for something he or she needs todo (such as go to the store), as well as conveniently maintain thedetails regarding that event or task (such as the list of items neededat the store) all within one convenient application that provides aconsistent, easy-to-use user interface. Thus, the apparatus of theinvention conveniently manages, maintains and displays informationpertaining to events and tasks in a more convenient and user-friendlyway than does the prior art planners.

In accordance with the general inventive concepts, any number of itemsof information could be inputted via the data input fields. Furthermore,the data input fields can be given any names or labels. Any number ofdata input fields can be used without departing from the spirit andscope of the general inventive concepts. The general inventive conceptsalso contemplate use of any viable form of user input device, software,logic, or the like. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, softwaredisplays a keyboard on a screen of the user's mobile computing device,which allows the user to input information. As another example, in oneexemplary embodiment, the user's mobile computing device includes one ormore scroll wheels that allow the user to select or otherwise inputinformation such as the start and end times of an event or task. Asanother example, in one exemplary embodiment, the computing logic mayconvert voice input into text or commands.

In another example, in one exemplary embodiment, the computing logic mayassociate voice input with graphic icons. For example, each graphic iconor button could have a voice command tag associated with it, to acceptuser input through voice commands. Thus, for example, a user schedulinga birthday party could simply state “add cake.”

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical planner may provide one ormore computer links to websites containing additional informationpertaining to an event or task. Such information may include, forexample, walking or driving directions, biographical information about aperson the user is meeting, or company or product information pertainingto a scheduled meeting. In another embodiment, information regarding thelocation of an event may be used to guide the user to the location usingglobal positioning software installed on the user's computing device.

In one exemplary embodiment, if the user has navigated to the detailsscreen 400 from the main screen 100 or 200, and if the user has moved aselected graphic icon to a particular position on the main analog clock113, then the start time and the end time on the details screen 400 areset by default to those times corresponding to the chosen place on themain analog clock 113.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user may set events to recur at userdetermined intervals. For example, the user could schedule a billpayment on the last day of each month, a birthday on the same day eachyear, or have an event or task recur each day until the user indicatesits completion. In this case, the scheduling logic would cause thegraphic icon associated with the event or task to appear on the mainscreen at the user-defined intervals.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thescheduling logic may store information or details associated with eventsor tasks in memory, and allow the user to access information about pastor future events or tasks. In addition, in one exemplary embodiment, theuser can select various forms of output for such information. Forexample, the user may print screens showing scheduled events or tasks,or share his or her schedule, or information regarding particular eventsor tasks, using email or other communication technology.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic provides alerts whenan event or task is impending. For example, the user may hear an audiblealarm or receive a visual notification of an upcoming event. In oneexemplary embodiment, the scheduling logic is operable to provide “push”notification, such that the user receives a notification of an upcomingevent or task while running other software applications on his or hercomputing device. In one exemplary embodiment, the scheduling logicsynchronizes events or tasks with events or tasks scheduled by the userutilizing one or more other applications.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the details screen 400 may include asave button 410. By tapping on the save button 410, a user can save theinformation entered into the data input fields 402, 403, 404, 405, and406. Tapping on the save button 410 also allows the user to navigateback to the a.m. main screen 100 or the p.m. main screen 200, from whichthe user navigated. The display on the main screen 100 or 200 will beupdated to reflect information entered by the user on the details screen400, such as the start time or end time of an event.

Additionally, if the user chose the generic bubble icon 301, thencharacters entered by the user into a data input field, such as the namedata input field 402, are displayed in the generic bubble on the mainscreen. For example, in the p.m. main screen 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, a generic bubble icon 203 includes characters forming the words “mowlawn,” which correspond to characters entered into the data input field402 on the details screen 400. Thus, the graphical planner allows theuser to use text combined with graphics, as well as graphics alone, toschedule events and set reminders for tasks. In one exemplaryembodiment, the user input text is abbreviated or otherwise modified(e.g., font size changed) to better fit within the generic bubble icon.In this manner, the graphical planner also allows the user to createcustomized icons by enclosing user-supplied text within a genericbubble. In another embodiment, the graphical planner also allows theuser to create customized icons by displaying user-supplied text orimagery in connection with a graphic icon.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the details screen 400 may include adelete button 409. By tapping on the delete button 409, a user candelete the event or task and/or its corresponding graphic icon orgeneric bubble icon that was selected prior to navigating to the detailsscreen 400. In one exemplary embodiment, tapping on the delete bubble409 causes a warning screen to appear on top of the details screen 400,which allows the user an opportunity to confirm that he or she wishes todelete the corresponding event or task.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the details screen 400 may include abrowse icons button 407. By tapping on the browse icons button 407, auser can navigate directly to the graphic icon library 300. Once thegraphic icon library 300 is displayed, the user can choose a differentgraphic icon 302 a-302 k or choose the generic bubble icon 301 toassociate with an event or task.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the graphical planner may include agraphic icon display zone 408. The graphic icon display zone 408displays the graphic icon 302 a-302 k, or the generic bubble icon 301,presently associated with the event or task for which details are beingentered by the user via the presently displayed details screen 400.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the a.m. main screen 100 and thep.m. main screen 200 may include a traditional calendar screen button104. By tapping on the traditional calendar screen button 104, the usercan navigate to a traditional calendar screen. A traditional calendarscreen 500, according to one exemplary embodiment, is shown in FIG. 5.The traditional calendar screen 500 displays days, weeks, months and/oryears in a typical calendar format. In one exemplary embodiment, whenthe user taps on the traditional calendar screen button 104 on the a.m.main screen 100 or the p.m. main screen 200, the user is brought to thetraditional calendar screen 500 based on or otherwise including the dayfrom the main screen 100 or 200. A person of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the traditional calendar screen 500 may display aone year block of time, a month block of time, a one week block of time,or any other block of time. The traditional calendar screen 500 mayfurther be customizable by the user.

With reference to FIG. 5, the traditional calendar screen 500 includes aback button 502 a, which allows the user to navigate through thedisplayed calendar going backward in time, and a forward button 502 b,which allows the user to navigate through the calendar going forward intime. Instead of back and forward buttons 502 a and 502 b, a person ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other navigation meanscould be implemented. A scroll bar or, where the user interface is atouch screen, a finger slide mechanism, are a few examples.

In one exemplary embodiment, the traditional calendar screen 500includes event notification dots 504 or other identifying symbols ormarkings. The presence of an event notification dot 504 indicates thatan event or task is scheduled on the corresponding date. This allows theuser to readily determine on which days (e.g., for a displayed week,month, or year) events or tasks are scheduled. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the presence of event notification dots 504 on the squarescorresponding to May 24, 25, 26, 27 and 29, 2010 and Jun. 4, 2010indicates that at least one event or task has been scheduled by the useron each of those dates.

In one exemplary embodiment, the traditional calendar screen 500utilizes a contrasting square 503 or other highlighting mechanism. Thecontrasting square 503 is placed on the calendar screen 500 to indicatethe present date. The present date may also be displayed in the banner108.

The traditional calendar screen 500 may also include a return button501. The return button 501 allows the user to return to the previousscreen from which the user navigated to the traditional calendar screen500.

With reference to FIG. 6, the a.m. main screen 100 and the p.m. mainscreen 200 may include a quick view window 600. The quick view window600 displays information associated with a particular event or task. Forexample, the quick view window 600 may display the name, the location,the start time, the end time, and/or associated details of the event ortask. The quick view window 600 may be displayed, for example, inresponse to the user selecting, hovering over, or otherwise interfacingwith a graphic icon or the generic bubble icon corresponding to theparticular event or task and displayed on the a.m. main screen 100 orthe p.m. main screen 200. In one exemplary embodiment, the quick viewwindow 600 is displayed on top of the main analog clock 113 on thecorresponding a.m. main screen 100 or p.m. main screen 200.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the main screens 100 and 200 mayinclude a complete button 106. The complete button 106 allows the userto indicate that he or she has completed a particular event or task. Inone exemplary embodiment, the user can interface with the completebutton 106 by selecting the complete button 106 with his or her fingeror a stylus in the case of a touch screen, or with an input device suchas a keyboard, scroll wheel, or the like formed with or otherwiseconnected to the user's mobile computing device. By tapping on thecomplete button 106, the complete button enters an active state for aperiod of time, which may be predetermined (e.g., 3 seconds), or whichmay last until the user takes another action. During this active state,the user can then tap on or otherwise interface with a graphic icon orthe generic bubble icon displayed on the main screen 100 or 200 toindicate that an event or task corresponding to the selected graphicicon or the generic bubble icon has been completed. In one exemplaryembodiment, when the user taps on or otherwise interfaces with thegraphic icon or the generic bubble icon, a warning screen is displayedand the user is prompted to confirm that he or she would like toindicate the event or task is complete. When the user so confirms, thegraphic icon or generic bubble icon is then replaced by a completionicon 202 a, such as a star or a popped balloon. In one exemplaryembodiment, the completion icon 202 a is a modified form of the graphicicon it is replacing, such as the graphic icon with a different colorscheme or a line drawn therethrough. In one exemplary embodiment,instead of displaying a completion icon 202 a, the graphic icon or thegeneric bubble icon corresponding to the completed task is simplyremoved from the main screen 100 or 200.

The operation of the complete button 106 will now be further describedwith reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 2A, a graphic icon 202corresponding to an image of a dog is displayed on the p.m. main screen200 as associated with the time slot spanning 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. onThursday, May 20, 2010. The user may have, for example, placed the dogicon at this time slot to schedule a trip to the veterinarian for his orher pet. In FIG. 2B, at the same time slot, there is shown a completionicon 202 a. Thus, the graphical planner allows the user to simply andgraphically indicate completion of a previously scheduled event or task.By allowing the user to replace events or tasks with a star or otherimage having a positive connotation, the graphical planner provides areward or incentive to complete events or tasks.

In one exemplary embodiment, the software of the invention may furtheractivate a sound file at the moment when a graphic icon 202 or genericbubble icon 203 is converted to the completion icon 202 a. Preferably,the sound file conveys a positive message or mood. By playing a soundfile at the moment when a user indicates an event or task's completion,the software of the invention further provides a reward or incentive tocomplete events or tasks. In another embodiment, upon the userindicating an event or task is complete, the graphical planner maydisplay an animation, such as an animation showing the explosion,destruction, or modification of the associated graphic icon. Suchanimation may be accompanied by a sound file.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical planner may automaticallyindicate an event's completion once the time scheduled for completion ofthe event has elapsed. For example, if a meeting is scheduled from 2:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 3:01 p.m., the scheduling logic may determine theevent is complete and replace the corresponding graphic icon with thecompletion icon 202 a. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can chosewhether events are automatically shown as complete upon passage of thescheduled time, or whether events are shown as complete upon the user'saffirmative indication of completion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical planner allows a graphic iconor generic bubble icon to be restored to its original state after theuser has indicated that the associated task or event is complete. Forexample, if the user inadvertently indicated an event was complete, thegraphical planner allows the user to replace the completion icon 202 awith the original icon 202, and in addition, may further restore theassociated information from the data input fields 402-406.

The graphical planner can display events or tasks that overlap induration. In one exemplary embodiment, when two events or tasks overlapin duration, an overlapping duration bar 701 can be displayed on thea.m. main screen 100 or the p.m. main screen 200. For example, as shownin FIG. 7, the user has scheduled an event from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on May20, 2010, as represented by a phone graphic icon 702. The user has alsoscheduled another event from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the same day, asrepresented by a car graphic icon 703. An overlapping duration bar 701and connecting line 111 may be used to indicate the time and duration ofthe second scheduled event, corresponding to a phone graphic icon 702.

A person of ordinary skill will appreciate that the graphical plannermay include one or more warning or confirmation screens or pop-upwindows. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, when the userschedules an event that conflicts in time with a previously scheduledevent, the graphical planner may display a screen asking the user toconfirm the user would like the two events to overlap in time. Anynumber of warning or confirmation screens may be included in thegraphical planner.

In one exemplary embodiment, by selecting the add event icon 103 fromthe main screen 100 or 200, the user navigates directly to the detailsscreen 400 instead of first choosing a graphic icon or the genericbubble icon from the graphic icon library 300. Once at the detailsscreen 400, the user can tap on the browse icons button 407 to choosethe associated graphic icon or the generic bubble icon from the graphicicon library 300. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat various other modifications to the flow of the navigation arepossible, all of which are within the scope of the invention.

In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the screens describedabove may be combined. For example, the scheduling logic may display thelibrary of graphic icons on the main screen 100 or 200. Depending on thesize and other limitations of the user interface and the processingunit, either the entire library of graphic icons or a subset (e.g.,“favorites”) may be displayed on the main screen 100 or 200. Forexample, the library of graphic icons could extend across a portion ofone of the screens, such as the main screen 100 or 200, the detailsscreen 400, or another screen. If the library of graphic icons isdisplayed on the main screen 100 or 200, there may be no need for an addevent button 106. For example, in this embodiment, the user could dragand drop the desired graphic icons from one region on the main screen100 or 200 to a second region on the main screen 100 or 200, such as aregion associated with a particular time on the analog clock 113. Inthis manner, the user can schedule an event or set a reminder for a taskin a one-step process by simply dragging a graphic icon 202 to a regionon the main screen 100 or 200.

The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way ofexample. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will notonly understand the general inventive concepts and attendant advantages,but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to thestructures and methods disclosed. For example, the general inventiveconcepts are not typically limited to any particular interface between auser and the user's mobile computing device. Thus, for example, use ofalternative user input mechanisms, such as voice commands, are withinthe spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts. As anotherexample, although the embodiments disclosed herein have been primarilydirected to a mobile computing device, the general inventive conceptscould be readily extended to a personal computer (PC) or otherrelatively fixed console computers. It is sought, therefore, to coverall such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scopeof the general inventive concepts, as described and claimed herein, andequivalents thereof.

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for scheduling one or more events or tasks stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the following: displaying one or more screens associated with a date; displaying a plurality of graphic icons; identifying a selection of a specific graphic icon for an event or task; and upon identifying the selection, displaying the specific graphic icon on a first screen associated with a specific date.
 2. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying a specific time for the event or task is to be attended or performed; and customizing one or more of the graphic icons to include the specific time.
 3. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and changing the display of the specific graphic icon on the first screen.
 4. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and replacing the specific graphic icon with a different predetermined graphic icon.
 5. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of graphic icons includes alphanumeric data.
 6. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of graphic icons consists of alphanumeric data.
 7. A method in a scheduling application for scheduling one or more events or tasks comprising: displaying one or more screens associated with a date; displaying a plurality of graphic icons; identifying a selection of a specific graphic icon for an event or task; and displaying the specific graphic icon on a first screen associated with a specific date.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: identifying a different date on which the event or task is to be attended; and associating the specific graphic icon with the different date.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and changing the display of the specific graphic icon on the first screen.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and replacing the specific graphic icon with a different predetermined graphic icon.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of graphic icons includes alphanumeric data.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein one or more of the graphic icons is specific to or is customized to the event or task.
 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: allowing additional data to be associated with the event or task and displaying the additional data.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the additional data includes alphanumeric data.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for scheduling one or more events or tasks stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the following: displaying one or more screens associated with a date; displaying a plurality of graphic icons, wherein one or more of the graphic icons is specific to or is customized to an event or task; identifying a selection of a specific graphic icon for the event or task; and upon identifying the selection, displaying the specific graphic icon on a first screen associated with a specific date.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying a different date on which the event or task is to be attended; and associating the specific graphic icon with the different date.
 17. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and changing the display of the specific graphic icon on the first screen.
 18. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: identifying that the event or task has been completed or has passed; and replacing the specific graphic icon with a different predetermined graphic icon.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following: allowing additional data to be associated with the event or task and displaying the additional data.
 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein one or more of the graphic icons or the additional data includes alphanumeric data. 